Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD 2020-0280

Fuselage — Skin Above Lap Joint — Inspection

Published: Dec 14, 2020
Effective: Dec 28, 2020
Deadline: Dec 28, 2020
Replaces: 2014-0278

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What to do

Affected operators must perform inspections as per the Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1472 Revision 01 and Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A53N009-14 Revision 01. Inspections vary by aircraft group and include both SDI and GVI with specific compliance times, such as within 2 months or before accumulating 15,000 flight cycles depending on the group. If cracks are found, operators must contact Airbus for approved repair instructions and complete repairs before further flight. Compliance with these inspections must begin by the effective date of 28 December 2020.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0280 is an airworthiness directive addressing inspection requirements for the fuselage skin above the lap joint on Airbus A318, A319, and A320 aeroplanes. It applies to specific manufacturer serial numbers and mandates inspections to detect cracks in the fuselage area between fuselage frames 35 and 47 above lap joint stringer 6 on both left and right sides. The directive aims to prevent potential in-flight depressurization caused by undetected cracks.

What changed

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0280 supersedes AD 2014-0278, expanding the applicability to more aircraft and extending the inspection area. It introduces new inspection intervals and amended instructions for both Special Detailed Inspections (SDI) and General Visual Inspections (GVI), including alternative inspection options. The directive updates inspection procedures based on Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1472 Revision 01 and Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A53N009-14 Revision 01.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk involving potential fuselage cracks that could lead to in-flight depressurization. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure timely inspections and repairs to maintain aircraft airworthiness and passenger safety. Adhering to the updated inspection intervals and procedures helps prevent structural failures and regulatory non-compliance.

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